Fear of the Light

NEXUS Book 8

Fiction - Science Fiction
483 Pages
Reviewed on 04/19/2025
Buy on Amazon

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    Book Review

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Fear of the Light by Ross Harrison is the eighth installment in the NEXUS series, plunging readers into an intense science fiction tale of love, loss, and deadly intrigue. When the lethal assassin Juni Lien is kidnapped, her partner Travis Archer must embark on a desperate rescue mission that pits him against trials designed to destroy everything he values. Driven by devotion and haunted by secrets, both Juni and Travis delve into their pasts to unearth the truth behind their enemy’s motivations. What they discover challenges their beliefs, endangers their future, and forces them to confront a chilling reality: sometimes, the most dangerous foe hides in plain sight. Harrison’s interstellar saga is as emotionally resonant as it is action-packed, filled with high-stakes romance and riveting suspense.

Author Ross Harrison throws readers right into the thick of the action in a gripping space opera packed with tension, emotion, and unexpected twists. There’s an ideal balance between cinematic action and literary flair that brings the science fiction elements of the story to life with blockbuster descriptions but also gives readers all the details, background context, and deeper, more emotional moments between characters. Travis and Juni’s bond brings a rare level of emotional depth to the sci-fi genre, with standout dialogue exchanges that are sure to leave readers with a lump in their throats. I loved the romantic tension and heartache, which became a driving force behind the narrative and made this book a standout entry in the NEXUS series that raises the emotional and narrative stakes all round. Overall, Fear of the Light is an exciting and well-penned novel that I would certainly recommend.

Jamie Michele

The NEXUS series by Ross Harrison begins when Travis Archer heads a confrontation of the Star Wraith, a ghost ship that sparks widespread fear in the galaxy. Labeled as terrorists, they uncover a war orchestrated by immortals called the Hierarchy, which threatens all life. Archer's team, joined by Theak, an agent of the god Sixth, get enmeshed in issues of revenge, cult investigations, and cloning, all while protecting loved ones. On a distant planet, the Ruby Rose responds to an SOS but is trapped by the predatory Vix, leading to chaos and the launch of a bioweapon. Meanwhile, Juni Lien is captured and forced into assassin training under Pinky, while Alexiares fights to rescue her. Now, in book eight, Fear of the Light, Travis Archer battles to save Juni Lien. As they uncover the kidnapper’s motives, a nest of deceit, manipulation, and misdirection threatens everything they’ve worked for.

“He had made her forget... He wanted her confused, unsure, and he wanted to make a point about his power over her mind, all at the same time.” Fear of the Light by Ross Harrison is an exceptionally well-done eighth installment, and I seriously cannot get enough of the relationship between Archer, a human, and Juni, a half-human, half-Necurian, which continues to be beautifully explored. There are a lot of moving pieces here, but Harrison keeps them streamlined with sharp writing that somehow, very skillfully, pulls together both cutting-edge technology and the supernatural. I'm a huge fan of psionics, and I adore that it is such a big aspect. As always, the world-building is top-notch, elevated by textured descriptions of the settings that amplify the emotional weight. The standout is the oppressive atmosphere of Juni's confinement, which serves as a metaphor for her internal isolation and fear. The combination of all this in a brilliant storyline made the novel impossible to put down.

Asher Syed

In Fear of the Light by Ross Harrison, Travis Archer faces an impossible challenge when his partner, Juni Lien, is abducted by a hidden adversary with a personal vendetta. Determined to rescue her, Travis plunges into a shadowy world of traps, secrets, and betrayals, where each step forward comes at a heavy cost. Meanwhile, Juni—no stranger to danger herself—must rely on her years of brutal training and sharp instincts to survive captivity. Their bond is tested as both confront painful truths about their pasts and the forces shaping their lives. As their paths converge, they uncover a sinister plot that could upend everything they know. Caught between loyalty and vengeance, they must decide what they're truly willing to lose to save each other and themselves.

Fear of the Light is the eighth book in the NEXUS series, but you wouldn't know that based on Ross Harrison's great writing. Is this the first time I have gone eight books deep and still not come across a dreaded “saggy middle” in a series? It is, and I will tell you why. First, Harrison has made NEXUS a true epic, and, as such, it is generational to a great extent. When you're a reader and the author has let you meet a character as a baby, and you know the history and who their awesome mother is, the emotional investment is already established. Second, we all like Archer, but on the off chance someone does not, we care so much about Juni at this point that anyone who is going to throw their life on the line to save her is aces in our book. The ending gives us promise that we can expect more, and I'm here for it when it comes. Love this series.

David Jaggart

Fear of the Light by Ross Harrison is centered around Travis Archer, a bounty hunter whose entire world is completely ripped apart as he races to join the pieces together again. Juni Lien—a dangerous assassin and Travis' lover—has been kidnapped by a Fallen Necurian with unforetold powers and a deep-seated desire for revenge. To rescue Juni from the clutches of this twisted being, Travis has to complete a series of tests, each designed to break his spirit and shatter his hope. Meanwhile, Juni is the only person with access to crucial information that the Necurian needs. It is the main reason he has kept her alive thus far. Travis's and Juni's excruciating journeys propel them both into the past, where they are forced to confront secrets they would rather leave buried forever. Can they make their way back to each other again?

Fear of the Light is a well-plotted space adventure that takes readers on an engaging journey filled with various twists and turns. Harrison skillfully structures the narrative to veer in a direction quite different from what readers would originally anticipate. Travis and his trusty crew, known for their diverse personas and origins, add a heightened sense of action and urgency parallel to Juni's kidnapping and torture. Ultimately, the collective dialogues and interactions are the main elements that make the novel a memorable and entertaining read. The author is also skilled at weaving a highly detailed setting where danger, mystery, and drama are aplenty. His writing will keep readers intrigued, right up to the exciting ending! I'm already eager to read the next installment. If you're an avid sci-fi fan, I highly recommend this exhilarating novel.

Richard Prause

Ross Harrison's Fear of the Light narrates the riveting tale of Travis Archer, a freelance bounty hunter thrust into a pulsating journey as he attempts to reunite with Juni Lien, his paramour. Juni is abducted by a sinister psion with powerful psychic abilities, claiming to be the future savior of the galaxy. Not even the skilled Krathan assassin (Juni) can escape his grip. Juni's captor mentally and physically tortures her in an attempt to get the information he desperately needs to further his agenda. In so doing, he weaponizes Juni's mind against her. Simultaneously, Travis finds himself at the mercy of this madman. Put in a risky game of cat and mouse, Travis has to skillfully complete many dangerous trials to save Juni from the clutches of her vile captor. This daring mission is a quest that Travis and his team must see through to the very end.

Fear of the Light is book 8 of the spellbinding space opera Nexus series. Ross Harrison’s sense of humor illuminates each chapter with ingenious storytelling. He demonstrates writing finesse through vivid scenery, pulsating action-packed sequences, and compelling story arcs. Each main character is brought to life by the immersive writing style. The storyline is teeming with electrifying showdowns between formidable rivals that will leave readers on the edge of their seats. Travis and Juni's heartfelt love story merges perfectly with the immediacy of their heartrending circumstances, creating a well-executed high-stakes narrative. The author masterfully crafts a universe guaranteed to thrill and entice any sci-fi enthusiast, especially fans of hit TV series like Firefly and Star Trek. This novel is a stimulating sci-fi must-read you cannot afford to miss.